Rock of Ages: The Brownshill Dolmen

The ancient Brownshill Dolmen is an impressive example of a megalithic ‘portal tomb’. This ‘cromlech’ (from the Irish ‘crom’ meaning ‘curved and ‘leac’ meaning ‘slab’) dates from between 3300 to 3290 BC. It has a sizeable (4.7m x 6.1m x 2m) capstone formed from granite that rests atop two large portal stones, a prostate slab and a door stone. The entrance would once have been sealed shut with small stones, though these have largely eroded over the centuries. It is the largest capstone in all of Europe, and though no one can be certain, it is thought that it weighs in excess of one hundred tonnes.

Mysterious Structure

Beautiful County Carlow is famed worldwide for the Brownshill Dolmen. This portal tomb (or ‘Druid’s Altar’) is located at Browne’s Hill, which is roughly three kilometres east of Carlow town itself. While this mysterious cromlech is almost certainly the county’s most notable feature, mystery surrounds how the inhabitants of ancient Ireland actually managed to position these huge stones.

Revering the Dead

However, the very fact that they managed to do so does indicate that their time was not totally taken up with classic hunter-gatherer activities. That they went to such extremes and put in such huge levels of physical labour indicates how strongly they felt about honouring their dead. Of course, it was not the ‘ordinary’ dead that were revered here – it was only those of the very highest rank such as chiefs (and their kin) and even kings in some cases.

Three Theories

Three theories have been put forward to explain how this ancient Dolmen was erected. The first theory is that rather than dragging the capstone into position, it actually already existed in situ. This theory contends that holes were dug to support the uprights and then the areas around the stone were excavated.

The second theory posits that the uprights may have been positioned first, and then a ramp consisting of timber, earth and stones could have been used to lever the huge capstone on top.

The third possibility is that the ancient workers could have in effect levered up one side of the capstone and, while it was raised, pushed in stones and earth, making it rise still further. If they had continued to do this round the stone’s circumference, the capstone would, over time, have been pushed up to the level of the supporting uprights. It could then have been carefully settled into its current position.

Three views of the Brownshill Dolmen from various angles which highlight the enormous granite capstone.

Hiding in Plain Sight

It is known that lots of contemporary dolmens in Ireland were originally covered with a generous scattering of earth. This means that it is highly likely that many similar tombs lie hidden in plain sight across the Emerald Isle, just waiting to be discovered.

Stone Age Motivation

While we don’t know precisely how Ireland’s Stone Age people managed to place such heavy stones so accurately, we do know what motivated them, and that was the conviction that their high-ranking dead must be honoured. This was one of a number of ways in they did so. As well as Dolmens such as this, these ancient people also created artificial earthen mounds called ‘moates’. Inside such structures, burnt human remains contained in clay and also skeletons have been found.

Resting Place of Generations

‘Cairns’ are similar to moates, although they are constructed from stones rather than earth. ‘Kists’ are box-shaped graves with a roof, floor and sides made from flagstones and longstones (or ‘galluns). The gallums were often decorated with a decorative script (‘Ogham writing‘) dating from 3000-4000 BC. It is thought that these prehistoric graves may have been reused by subsequent generations.

Folklore of Cromlech or Portal Tombs

In more recent (comparatively) times, a portal tomb (cromlech) such as the Brownshill Dolmen may also have been referred to as a ‘Druid’s Altar’ or ‘Leaba Dhiarmuid agus Gráinne’, which translates as ‘the bed of Dermot and Grainne’. This refers to is the famous prose narrative that tells the story of the love triangle between the legendary warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill, the exquisitely beautiful princess Gráinne and her cuckolded husband Dhiarmuid.

The Brownshill Dolmen is easy to find. Simply head east on the R726 (Hacketstown Road) for approximately two kilometres. The portal tomb (cromlech) is signposted just off the main road to the right with easy access and a dedicated parking area. The Dolmen is clearly visible from the main road.

Event Details

This year will see the 5th Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair taking place in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht. It will run from the 27th December 2018 until the 1st January

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Event Details

This year will see the 5th Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair taking place in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht. It will run from the 27th December 2018 until the 1st January 2019. This traditional winter school programme boasts a wide range of events, including traditional Irish music instrumental, song and dancing workshops; lectures; films; music recitals; kids’ events. There will also be concerts/performances by Altan & special guests, Na Casaidigh, Matt Molloy with John Carty, Arty McGlynn & Brian McGrath, Noel Hill, Liam O’Connor, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill & Helen Diamond, Pólca 4 & The Conifers, An Crann Óg and Peter & Jimmy Campbell.

The Music Classes/Workshops which are the heart of Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair are open to all ages. Admission to these classes and workshops is by 4-DAY REGISTRATION ONLY. It is not possible to register for these on a daily basis.

The classes & workshops will run from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th December each day from 10am to 1pm. For the music classes, it needs to be noted that there are no ‘absolute’ beginner classes available in any instruments and also there are minimum abilities required to attend.

All events will take place in the parish of Gaoth Dobhair, and will be held in six principal venues: Amharclann Ghaoith Dobhair & Teach Jack, Na Doirí Beaga; Teach Hiúdaí Beag, An Bun Beag; Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair, Na Doirí Beaga; An Gailearaí, Údarás Business Park, Gaoth Dobhair, and Club CLG, Gaoth Dobhair.

Booking details for the Workshops/Classes and the Concerts, and also further information about this years Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair, please visit scoilgheimhridh.com or follow on Facebook or Twitter. If you have any queries, then please either call +353 (0)74 956 0679 or send an email to [email protected].

Event Details

Now in it's 20th year, the Shannonside Winter Music Festival has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and this years event marks another step forward for this

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Event Details

Now in it’s 20th year, the Shannonside Winter Music Festival has gone from strength to strength over the last few years and this years event marks another step forward for this eclectic festival of the best in acoustic music.

Around 80 concerts, shows, pub gigs and sessions will occur between Thursday and Monday across 17 locations keeping the villages of Bunratty and Sixmilebridge bouncing and buzzing featuring the best of local talent and acts from far and wide.

Enquiries concerning tickets can be made by calling or texting +353 (0)86 870 7739 and can be paid for and collected from the festival office over the weekend in the Bunratty Castle Hotel.

Please note that Weekend tickets and The Metis Ireland Concert (Saturday night) tickets, should be booked online by visiting www.wmw.ie.

During the Shannonside Winter Music Festival, there will be traditional music sessions occurring in most of the local Pubs. These sessions will be happening during the afternoon & night and are marvellous free entertainment open for all to attend. Please visit www.wmw.ie for details of the Session Trail.

Full details of this years programme and to book tickets for events please visit www.wmw.ie or follow on Facebook for the latest details. If you have any queries then please send an email to [email protected].

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TradFest is Ireland's largest festival of trad, folk music and beyond showcasing not only the wealth and variety of Irish musical talent but also top international acts. It started out as

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Event Details

TradFest is Ireland’s largest festival of trad, folk music and beyond showcasing not only the wealth and variety of Irish musical talent but also top international acts. It started out as a small niche trad festival back in 2006 and from its modest beginnings has gone from strength to strength over the past decade. It offers concert goers unique opportunities to experience live music in some of Dublin’s most historic places. From the breathtaking nave of St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the grandeur of City Hall. This years TradFest takes place from Wednesday 23rd to Sunday 27th of January.

That’s just for starters. As usual, venues will include many historical and iconic buildings including the grandeur of City Hall, Dublin Castle, the intimacy of The Pepper Canister Church, St Michan’s Church, the breathtaking nave of St Patrick’s Cathedral, City Assembly House, Richmond Barracks, Rathfarnham Castle, The Workmans Club.

For more information on the entire line-up including bio’s on all the performers and to book Tickets please visit tradfest.ie or follow on Facebook or Twitter.

Alternatively, if you have any queries, you can send an email to [email protected] or call +353(0)1 960 2300.

Event Details

Now in its Seventh year, the annual Doolin Writers’ Weekend takes place commencing on the 25th January 2019 and will last until the 27th. Many well known artists and writers including J.M Synge, George

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Event Details

Now in its Seventh year, the annual Doolin Writers’ Weekend takes place commencing on the 25th January 2019 and will last until the 27th. Many well known artists and writers including J.M Synge, George Bernard Shaw, Dylan Thomas, Augustus John and Oliver St. John Gogarty have spent time in Doolin over the years.

Doolin Writers’ Weekend this year will consist of workshops, readings, advice from publishing industry insiders, music sessions, open mic and of course wonderful food and hospitality from the Hotel Doolin team all weekend long.

At this years event, Annmarie Ní Chuireann will judge the Poetry competition, Danielle McLoughlin will judge the Short Story competition and this years new category, Video Poem will be judged by Dave Lordan.

During the Doolin Writers’ Weekend there will be a series of workshops covering short fiction, novel writing, creative nonfiction, spoken word, screenwriting and poetry.

Weekend Ticket are available for €99 from www.ticketweb.ie and includes free entry to all workshops and events including the opening night drinks reception and readings. All workshops are €40pp and all events €10pp for those without weekend tickets.

Event Details

In the few short years of its existence IMBOLC International Music Festival has grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s leading folk and world music festivals. Whilst still firmly rooted

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Event Details

In the few short years of its existence IMBOLC International Music Festival has grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s leading folk and world music festivals. Whilst still firmly rooted in the musical cultures of this island, the festival has grown in depth and breadth and now encompasses music genres ranging from folk, traditional and roots to jazz, contemporary and world music.

The festival comprises an extensive programme of events including Concerts, Workshops, Masterclasses, Choral events, Events for Children, Community events, Films Talks & Lectures, Session trail, Band camp, Dance Workshops and much more. It will feature performances from world-class musicians from Ireland, Sweden, America, Canada and Scotland.

Alongside concerts, the festival also has an extensive programme of music and dance workshops including Sean-nós and two hands dance workshops, song-writing workshops and a weekend-long Band Camp for young traditional musicians.

In Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin’s café top quality musicians will form the core of our daily lunchtime session and at the weekend the festival will come to life across the city with The Trad Trail bringing a jam-packed schedule of traditional Irish music sessions in pubs, cafés and hotels.

For full details about the festival and for booking Tickets, please visit www.imbolcfestival.com or call the box office at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin on +44(0)28 7126 4132. You can also follow the Festival on Facebook and/or Twitter.

If you have any queries, please email them to [email protected] or call +44(0)28 7126 4132.